French Hospital Expansion Project
French Hospital Medical Center has faithfully served San Luis Obispo County for 80 years, delivering top-tier health care through our compassionate, patient-centered approach. Our vision is to transform our ability to deliver exceptional, whole-person care like never before as our community continues to grow and evolve.
That’s why we’ve launched the French Hospital Expansion Project and the Foundation’s supporting capital campaign. This project demonstrates our commitment to go beyond small-town health care by investing in our community’s health and wellness—and the entire experience of patient care—at an unprecedented level.
The French Hospital Expansion Project will equip us to do even more to treat the whole patient, for the good of our community, for decades to come.
The demands and expectations of contemporary health care, both locally and nationally, are rapidly changing. As people live longer, the care of aging patients is becoming increasingly complex. This is also coupled with the rapid acceleration of health care technology, requiring continual advancement to provide cutting-edge medicine.
The French Hospital Expansion Project will address both the growth and aging of our local population, as well as ensure that patients receive the care they need through enhanced facilities and technology, close to home. Upon project completion, French Hospital will be poised to care for our patients at a new, enhanced level, for generations to come.
Breaking ground in 2027
We are thrilled to announce that groundbreaking is planned for summer 2027! Check back soon for additional project updates, new renderings, and more.
The role of philanthropy
As a nonprofit hospital, philanthropic donations empower us to excel beyond basic care. The $270 million French Hospital Expansion project will be supported by a $39 million capital campaign through the French Hospital Medical Center Foundation. Dignity Health will invest the remaining $231 million into the project to advance health care for our community. As of June 2026, the Foundation has already raised $22 million.
Now, we’re asking our community to join us to close the remaining $17 million gap to make this vision a reality. We invite you to partner with us to create a community hospital equipped with cutting-edge health care technology and innovative, patient-centered programs, delivered with humankindness right here at home.
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Key project highlights
A new Patient Care Tower, parking structure, renovations to the existing hospital, and more!
The project will significantly increase patient capacity and critical services, making French Hospital the largest hospital in San Luis Obispo County. Project priorities include investing in the facilities, technology, and resources that will enable us to achieve this bold vision:
Upon project completion, French Hospital will be poised to care for our patients—and future generations—at a new, advanced level that our community deserves.